Cleaning up after Nail Polish spills

I am often asked how to clean this and that. One of the most asked questions is about nail polish spills. Having spilt nail polish myself I can sympathise with these people.

I once spilled nail polish on my polished cork floor in the kitchen. Hubby noticed the spill and used acetone to wipe it off. The nail polish came off OK but so did the polyurethane that coated the tiles. Obviously this was not the best method because the acetone softened the coating. Removing the nail polish with a damp cloth while the polish is wet will not leave a mark on the polyurethane coated floor.

Nail polish is made of acrylic, like paint. If the spillage has hardened lay a tissue soaked in acetone free polish remover over the spill until the polish feels soft. With the back of a knife gently lift the edge of the spill and peel back the polish until it is removed. Spray some furniture polish onto the area just cleaned and rub it in to the floor. The same process can be used for wooden furniture but furniture is softer than polished floors so more care will be required.

Spilling nail polish onto carpet is easier. I found acetone removes the polish, but only if it the spill is pretty fresh. If there is a lump caught up in the fibres, and the polish will not soften with acetone, you might have to cut the polish with scissors down to the level of the pile. You should be able to gently pull on each fibre to remove the nail polish attached at the top.

Prevention of course is the answer when using nail polish. Spills can so easily happen, and it’s not just the bottle tipping over. I’ve had drops of the polish fall off the brush just before I reach the nail and if I didn’t have protection under my hand, who knows where the drop would have landed.

When you have your nails painted by a professional manicurist they have a little towel where you rest your hands. Under that towel is plastic of some sort. This is my preferred setting when painting my nails. I have an old plastic place mat which I put on the kitchen bench (my bench is high enough for me to sit at) and over that I put an old hand towel.

On the towel I set out the cotton wool balls, remover, polish, files, scissors, nail clippers and anything else required to make my nails look great. This way everything is to hand and I can complete my manicure without any hassle. Having the prepared space also makes it easier to sit and wait while the nails dry. There is somewhere to rest my hands while I read a book.

The most important factor about setting out a space especially to paint nails is the job gets a better finish. I have the right light, the right space and probably the right mind set. I am concentrating on specifically painting my nails and not worrying about other things.

I am sure other people have their own methods for making sure they don’t spill their nail polish, but this is mine. If it is of help to you, then great.